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Our Mission: Providing Ongoing Education and Prevention
Kids on the Block’s mission is to provide ongoing education and prevention through puppetry for children and the community at large. The core message in each program is to teach children acceptance of differences in themselves and in others.
The troupe uses life size puppets and performs 15 topics in the style of Bunraku puppetry. The puppeteers travel the state performing in schools, boys and girls clubs, and other community centers. In 2023, 41,552 children in 37 Kentucky counties viewed 347 programs. We received 32 Child Abuse Disclosures. The puppets bring children to a teachable moment by reflecting their hopes, fears, likes, and dislikes.
Other initiatives include owning and operating The Higgins Center for Nonprofits, free kids runs, and a youth board for elementary aged children.
Kids on the Block History
In 1977, special education teacher Barbara Aiello had a student, Anthony, with cerebral palsy who used a wheelchair. Anthony was bright, and Barbara felt that he was ready to be mainstreamed into a “regular” classroom. A few days later, Anthony told her he didn’t want to go back to that classroom because children ignored him, made fun of him and didn’t want to play with him.
While Anthony was academically prepared, teachers or children in the “regular” classroom weren’t prepared for Anthony. So, Barbara made a puppet with Anthony’s likeness, including his red hair and constructed a wheelchair out of garden hose and bicycle tires. Using the puppet, Barbara explained to his class why he looked different, talked differently and used a wheelchair. Kids on the Block was born the moment children began to raise their hands to ask the puppet character questions. When a hand was raised, a barrier came down.
From there, Anthony’s puppet grew to a family of puppet characters and programs designed to help children understand and cope with sensitive issues.
Coming to Kentucky
Kentucky Kids on the Block was founded in 1985 by Jamie Gaddie Higgins and Alice Kummer. Jamie took her daughter, Heather, to a Spina Bifida Association Christmas party. Nashville Kids on the Block performed their “Accepting Differences” program. Heather, who has spina bifida, reacted in such a positive way, her mother reached out to her friend, Alice, about starting their own puppet troupe in Bowling Green.
The puppetry used by Kentucky Kids on the Block is based on a Japanese style of puppetry called Bunraku. Bunraku puppetry, using life sized puppets, is used to bring children to the teachable moment. Each year, Kentucky Kids on the Block presents 300 programs to approximately 30,000 children in 20 Kentucky counties. The programs blend humor with sensitivity to help children develop an attitude of understanding and acceptance toward others that will serve them the rest of their lives. Kids on the Block is housed in the Higgins Center for Nonprofits.
Kids on the Block Staff
Graphic Design
Intern
Shelly Compton
Partner at Carr, Riggs, and Ingram, CPAs
Johna Rodgers
Johna Rodgers Consulting, LLC
Heather Higgins-Jeffrey
Steve Sutton
President of Chase Bank
John Kelly
Kelly Family Foundation
Mary Vitale
Owner of New Millennium Real Estate, LLC
Alice Kummer
Kentucky Kids on the Block Co-founder
Julie Wedge
Wedge Family Foundation
Sandy Riley
Owner of Riley’s Bakery
Barry Williams
Owner of Communication Systems
Erin Hiles
Barren Inc
Julie Ann Rosing
Law Clerk at US District Court for Western District of Kentucky
(in the Higgins Center for Nonprofits)
958 Collett Avenue Suite 100
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: 270-842-2259
Mon – Fri: 8am – 4:30pm
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Executive Director
“If I have managed to brighten up even one gloomy childhood – then I am satisfied.” – Astrid Lindgren
That quote drives me everyday. I began my journey as the grant writer at Kids on the Block in 2013 and I knew I had found both my calling and career. After being appointed Executive Director in 2014, my focus became child abuse prevention because I strongly believe the most immediate need facing our world is protecting children.
I love being involved in the community. I attend Christ Episcopal Church, teach adult and kids yoga classes at the Warren County Public Library, and serve as a Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. I also love growing as a fundraiser by being a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Serving on the AFP Nashville Board of Directors allows me to be around like-minded professionals in my field.
Outside of work I enjoy yoga, skiing with my husband, going to concerts with my mom, collecting antiques with my dad, and planning our next trip to the beach with our two wild dogs (humane society rescues).
Director of Programs/Lead Puppeteer
I am a WKU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies. So I thought Kids on the Block would be a good fit for me. I started working at Kids on the Block as a puppeteer in June 2011. In 2014 I became the Director of Programs and Lead Puppeteer.
I enjoy presenting programs at schools because through puppetry I am able to bring children to a teachable moment that they don’t forget. The programs that I feel most passionate about teaching is the Child Abuse Prevention programs. These programs not only teach children about child abuse but also teach children how to get out of abusive situations.
The programs that I have the most fun presenting are the Accepting Differences (Campers program), and Problem Solving. (Who am I kidding, they are all fun!) When I am not working I enjoy outdoors activities such as gardening, hiking and kayaking with my husband, daughter and our dog.
Puppeteer/Special Projects
I have lived in Bowling Green most of my life. I married my husband in 1996 and we had our daughter in 2000. I had always worked with kids and would play with puppets and change my voice for the different characters in the books I would read to them. Little did I know God was preparing me for something greater. I started working with Kids on the Block on March 1, 2007. My favorite KOB program is Child Abuse Prevention. The pain of being abused follows a child the rest of their life and if just one child learns they can say no or learns that it’s ok to tell, then it is worth all the time we put into it. When I’m not at work I am very involved with my church where I currently lead the music and choir. I love to hike, camp, cook and sing. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat and a ball python.
Administrative and Grants Assistant
I have lived in Kentucky my whole life and grew up watching Kids on the Block. Kids have always been a huge part of my life, so I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to join such an amazing organization.
Puppeteer
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, I moved to Bowling Green in 2016 to teach part-time at WKU while finishing my PhD in Fine Arts through Texas Tech University. In school, I focused on theatre history, criticism, and directing. After a decade in grad school studying theatre, I am very excited to join Kids on the Block and learn puppetry!
I am a step-mom to two boys and mommy to a little girl. When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening, baking bread, reading, and spending time with my family.
Puppeteer
I am a 49 year old fun loving, soft hearted individual who loves to make others feel as empowered as possible. I am originally from California, but call Kentucky home. I have lived and worked in Bowling Green for over 2 decades. I attended WKU and opened a small business while I raised my family..
Although, I loved my career I found it to be a superficial one. My devotion is to the betterment of the next generation; to see every child happy, healthy, and included. I was a foster mom for several years and have 3 amazing children. The joy they bring led me to persue a field in which my heart can be filled with riches.
Script Writing Intern
I am a junior at WKU interning as a scriptwriter for KYKOB. I’m an English major with a focus in creative writing, so writing scripts is right up my alley! I grew up watching these programs through my time in elementary school and loved every minute their shows went on.
It’s an honor working with KYKOB to help educate and entertain children through these puppets. When I graduate, I hope that my work with KYKOB will further help them provide ongoing education and prevention.
Development Intern
I am a Senior at WKU Majoring in Communication Studies and Minoring in Nonprofit Administration. I am a student leader with the Campus Ministry called CRU. I currently attend Living Hope Baptist Church here in Bowling Green, KY. I love reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends.
I am thankful and excited to intern with KYKOB to get experience in the Marketing and Nonprofit world and the ability to get involved in the Bowling Green community.
Age Appropriate: 3rd – 6th Grade
Duration: 30 Minutes
Characters: Claire Sanchez, Jamie Higgins and Eddy Franklin
Jamie discovers a mean post about her online. Tons of her classmates are making mean comments, and Jamie feels overwhelmed. Claire and Eddy put on their detective hats, and figure out who made the mean post. Once they have all the information they need, they help Jamie take control of the situation. With help from the audience, we figure out what to do if we’re being cyberbullied, as well as ways to prevent it in the future.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Brenda Dubrowski, Melody James, and Mom
Age Appropriate: 3rd – 6th grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Characters: Stephen Arthurs, Huy Nguyen, and Joanna Spinoza
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Child Victims’ Trust Fund.
Age Appropriate: K – 2nd grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Stephen Arthurs and Huy Nguyen
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Child Victims’ Trust Fund.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 15 minutes (30 minutes when presented with First Aid)
Characters: Huy Nguyen, Brenda Dubrowski, and Duck
Huy is trying out his new telescope, when he stumbles upon a duck swimming in a pond. Huy’s hot so he decides to join the duck in the pond. When he gets into the water, the mud causes him to lose his footing. Huy panics while struggling in the water. Luckily, Brenda comes along and reaches a stick out to him to save him from drowning. This program is normally performed with First Aid or another safety program.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 15 minutes (30 minutes when presented with Water Safety)
Characters: Melody James, Joanne Spinoza, Mom and Paramedic
Joanne tells Melody about their friend’s mom having twins. Melody wants to help out so she looks for a gift. She finds some toy blocks in the top of a closet. She stands on some books to reach them, but falls and badly cuts her leg. Joanne is really upset when she sees the cut and starts panicking. Melody reminds her to be calm and get a blanket or towel to apply pressure to the cut. Joanne then calls 911 for help. Mom and a paramedic come to the rescue. This program is normally performed with Water Safety or another safety program.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Renaldo Rodriguez, Melody James, Joanne Spinoza, and Mom
Renaldo and Melody are supposed to be at his grandmother’s house playing, but they decide to stay at his house instead. They are playing army when they get hungry. Renaldo decides to make popcorn on the stove with no grownup around. He puts oil in the pan and turns the stove on. Renaldo starts playing and forgets about the stove. The oil causes a fire in the pan. Melody is able to put out the fire by putting the lid on the pan and turning off the stove. Renaldo’s mom arrives and has Renaldo go over fire safety tips with the audience. Joanne announces it is important to have fire drills at home. Melody and Renaldo act out what a fire drill might look like at home.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Eddy Franklin and Claire Sanchez
Eddy is being bullied at school and is upset about it. Claire talks about how she had a group of girls who bullied her when she was in the 5th grade. She talks to Eddy about what he can do to put a stop to the bullying. Claire tells Eddy he should talk to a grownup, stand up to the bully, and try to avoid the bully without using violence to solve the problem. She asks the audience what Eddy can do to stop the bullying and takes any questions from the audience.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Melody James, Brenda Dubrowski, Mark Riley
Melody is trying to figure out how to do a report on bike safety. She has her helmet and is substituting her bike with a broom, since her bike is in the shop for repair. Brenda enters and thinks Melody is trying to be a witch on a broomstick. Once Melody explains what is going on, Brenda gives Melody a hard time about wearing a helmet because she thinks helmets are only for little kids. Brenda leaves laughing at the helmet. When Mark arrives, Melody does her report for him. Unknown to Melody, Brenda has been listening to Melody give her speech the whole time. Brenda is inspired by Melody’s report and returns with her own “designer helmet with pretty pink bows.” Brenda apologizes for teasing Melody. Melody asks the audience questions to see what they learned from her report.
Age Appropriate: 2nd-6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Eric Van Aart and Joanne Spinoza
Eric goes to the mall, where he will drop off the poster he made for the “smoke free campaign.” He runs into his friend Joanne at the mall. Eric shows her his poster of lungs that have been breathing clean air, and he explains to her what smoking can do to your body. The two also talk about the effects of chewing tobacco, and lightly cover vaping. Joanne asks the audience questions to see what they learned from Eric, and then Eric takes questions from the audience.
Age Appropriate: 4th – 6th grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Characters: Eric Van Aart, Paul Worthington, Joanne Spinoza, Valerie Perkins
Say “NO” to drugs! Eric Van Aart and his friends teach children about the harmful effects drugs and alcohol can have on your mind and body. Eric talks about his experience in rehab and how it has made his life better. The audience will learn what a substance is and who safe adults are that they can turn to if they are ever in a tough situation. This program teaches children how to resist peer pressure, stand up for their beliefs and say “NO” to substances.
Age Appropriate: 3rd-6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Christine Kontos and Jason Robinson
Christine and her friend Jason are doing the dishes at her father’s restaurant. Jason notices that Christine isn’t her usual self. Christine reveals that she has been feeling down about how she looks, and she wishes she could be someone else. Jason points out all the good things about Christine, and helps her realize the way a person looks isn’t important, that it’s what’s on the inside that really matters. Jason encourages the audience to give Christine suggestions on what she can do when she feels down.
Age Appropriate: K – 6th grade
Duration: 30 minutes
Characters: Zach Jones, Jason Robinson
Jason’s father has given him and his friend Zach an assignment, to come up with goals that will help them become more healthy. Zach sets really good goals that he can stick to for a long time. Jason on the other hand, has a huge list of over 40 goals that he will never be able to achieve. Jason says, “I will participate in and win a 26.2 mile marathon by the end of the month.” The audience is encouraged to help Jason make his goals more manageable. The audience will also help figure out healthy food options you can get when eating fast food, and things you can do besides play video games and watch TV.
Age Appropriate: 2nd-6th grade
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Characters: Melody James, Shaun James
Melody is stressed out because she has a soccer tournament, and ballet recital coming up. She also has a spelling test to study for. She is frantically running around trying to practice and study for all three at the same time. Her older brother, Shaun enters and is trying to make sense of what is going on. He sits down and talks to Melody about prioritizing the import things first, and working on one thing at a time. They then lead the audience through some exercises they can do when they feel stressed. They also talk about the importance in talking to a grownup, such as a parent or counselor, if you are having a hard time and nothing helps you feel better.
Age Appropriate: 2nd-6th grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Characters: David Franklin, Eddy Franklin, Joanne Spinoza, and Jacob Philips
In part one of the program, Joanne spies on her new neighbors and really wants to meet David, because she thinks he is cute. She finally gets to meet him and learns that he has low functioning autism, which means that he can’t talk or do things for himself. David’s younger brother Eddy, helps Joanne learn more about autism. Eddy asks, “I guess David is not who you expected him to be?” Joanne answers, “There is one thing that Is exactly as I expected, I still think he is one handsome hunk.” In part two, Joanne learns that her new friend, Jacob has autism, but he is a lot different than David. He can talk and do most things himself. Jacob says, “If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. This means autism is different for everyone who has it.” This program also includes a time for questions from the audience.
Choose any 2 of the following topics to make 1 program
Duration: 40 minutes total for 2 programs.
Age Appropriate: 2nd – 6th grade
Characters: Anna Perry, Brenda Dubrowski
Anna and Brenda go to the library to work on a report. Anna, who has ADHD, keeps getting distracted and is very loud. The librarian gets onto the girls for being too loud. Anna reveals to Brenda that she has ADHD, and she talks about some things that she does to help herself focus. This program also includes a time for questions from the audience.
Characters: Mark Riley, Melody James
Age Appropriate: K-6th grade
Melody meets Mark for the first time and assumes that because he is in a wheelchair, he must be sick. Mark explains that he has CP but can still do lots of things that other kids do, such as swim, ride a horse, and play basketball. This program also includes a time for questions from the audience.
Characters: Ellen Jane Peterson, Brenda Dubrowski and Muffy
Age Appropriate: 2nd-6th grade
Brenda arrives at the vet’s office to pick up her dog Muffy, where she meets Ellen Jane, who has Down Syndrome. Brenda is worried that Ellen Jane doesn’t know how to care for her dog, so Brenda tries to take over. Brenda learns that it is harder than it looks, so Ellen Jane teaches her the right way to care for Muffy. Brenda quickly learns that Ellen Jane is just like any other teenager, and can learn to do most things by herself. This program also includes a time for questions from the audience.
Characters: Valerie Perkins, Joanne Spinoza (K-6th)
Age Appropriate: K-6th grades
Joanne is practicing her cheer for tryouts when Valerie arrives to tryout too. Joanne is surprised that Valerie is trying out because Valerie has Spina Bifida, wears braces on her legs, and uses crutches to help her walk. After Valerie does her cheer for Joanne she realizes that Valerie’s cheer is really good. Both girls are called to tryout together, so they decide to use Valerie’s cheer. Valerie says, “There are some things that I can’t do, but there are TONS of things that I can do!” This program also includes a time for questions from the audience.
Characters: Mark Riley, Renaldo Rodriguez
Age Appropriate: K-6th grades
Mark, who has CP, is getting ready to go camping with all of his friends. Then Renaldo, who is blind, catches Mark reading a map. He is surprised to learn that all of his friends are going camping but he wasn’t invited. Mark explains that he and his friends didn’t think that a blind person could go camping. Mark is surprised to learn that Renaldo goes camping all the time. Mark and Renaldo discuss how they do things differently, but that is okay because everyone does things in different ways. This program also includes a time for questions from the audience.